Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Reading, PA is 4.37%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the Pennsylvania state median of 2.81%. With the median home value in Reading at $83,700, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $3,762, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Reading are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Reading's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Reading or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
4.37%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$3,658
$3,394
Ownwell’s Reading Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Reading with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Reading to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
Property taxes in Reading, Pennsylvania, are crucial for funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Reading is 4.37%, significantly higher than both the Pennsylvania state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Reading set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Reading estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Reading's effective property tax rate to other counties in Pennsylvania and the national median. For comparison, the 19606 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 4.59%, while the 19609 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 4.08%. Understanding how these cities compare with Reading provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Berks County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Reading Tax Rate
4.37%
Average Berks County Tax Rate
4.37%
Average Pennsylvania Tax Rate
2.81%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19601 | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% |
| 19602 | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% |
| 19604 | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% |
| 19605 | 3.97% | 4.52% | 4.52% | 4.52% | 4.67% |
| 19606 | 4.37% | 4.59% | 4.59% | 5.00% | 6.28% |
| 19607 | 4.31% | 4.44% | 4.47% | 4.47% | 4.47% |
| 19608 | 4.08% | 4.08% | 4.08% | 4.46% | 4.51% |
| 19609 | 4.08% | 4.08% | 4.08% | 4.08% | 4.45% |
| 19610 | 4.08% | 4.08% | 4.45% | 4.45% | 4.45% |
| 19611 | 3.67% | 3.67% | 4.37% | 4.37% | 4.37% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
In Reading, Pennsylvania, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Berks County Assessment Office for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Reading, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Reading helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The highest median tax bill in the area is $5872 in zip code 19610, while the lowest is $1215 in zip code 19602.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
Source: Ownwell
$21,200
$104,950
$188,700
Average Reading Assessed Value
$83,700
Average Berks County Assessed Value
$97,000
Average Pennsylvania Assessed Value
$114,400
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19601 | $18,100 | $24,100 | $35,800 | $47,600 | $74,800 |
| 19602 | $16,700 | $21,500 | $27,800 | $36,000 | $48,400 |
| 19604 | $26,100 | $31,600 | $39,000 | $48,700 | $80,600 |
| 19605 | $59,200 | $72,300 | $95,700 | $125,100 | $162,600 |
| 19606 | $46,120 | $68,000 | $95,000 | $127,400 | $173,700 |
| 19607 | $61,100 | $71,700 | $89,600 | $114,550 | $163,970 |
| 19608 | $80,800 | $99,400 | $139,400 | $189,200 | $260,180 |
| 19609 | $67,350 | $77,400 | $91,450 | $111,300 | $128,250 |
| 19610 | $78,160 | $100,650 | $139,800 | $187,050 | $256,920 |
| 19611 | $47,800 | $58,600 | $67,700 | $82,500 | $104,800 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
In Reading, Berks County, PA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county's assessment office. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local property tax rate to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as the home's market value, location, and any applicable exemptions or deductions can influence the assessed value. Homeowners in Reading can expect a wide range of property tax bills. For instance, the median home price in the area is $83,700. Tax bills in the 25th percentile are around $2,090, while those in the 75th percentile reach $5,487. The 90th percentile sees tax bills as high as $7,706. The highest median tax bill in the area is $5,872 in zip code 19610, whereas the lowest is $1,215 in zip code 19602. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Reading's property tax rates can significantly impact homeowners, depending on their property's assessed value and location.
Average Reading Tax Bill
$3,762
Average Berks County Tax Bill
$4,153
Average Pennsylvania Tax Bill
$3,063
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19601 | $791 | $1,054 | $1,565 | $2,077 | $3,090 |
| 19602 | $730 | $940 | $1,215 | $1,574 | $2,112 |
| 19604 | $1,141 | $1,381 | $1,705 | $2,129 | $3,524 |
| 19605 | $2,662 | $3,287 | $4,296 | $5,565 | $7,117 |
| 19606 | $2,181 | $3,546 | $4,697 | $6,220 | $8,095 |
| 19607 | $2,688 | $3,169 | $3,971 | $5,089 | $7,300 |
| 19608 | $3,388 | $4,195 | $5,858 | $8,008 | $10,869 |
| 19609 | $2,748 | $3,164 | $3,763 | $4,580 | $5,292 |
| 19610 | $3,477 | $4,354 | $5,872 | $8,088 | $11,306 |
| 19611 | $1,998 | $2,344 | $2,767 | $3,368 | $4,333 |
Source: Ownwell